Sailing for children

At Cobnor Activities Centre, we are dedicated to providing excellent sailing tuition for both young people and adults. You can either book onto a course following the syllabus of the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) or we can arrange fun taster sessions, trips around Chichester Harbour and more... With an excellent sailing area and fleet of boats, our experienced and qualified outdoor activity instructors will certainly maximise your confidence and improve your ability on the water.

For all available course dates please click here

RYA YOUTH STAGE 1

  • Age: 8 - 13 (ages for this course are a guideline) 
  • Cost: £195.00
  • Pre-requisite: None

By the end of this two day introductory course you will have the basic understanding of how a boat sails, and some experience of steering and handling a boat.
This course will allow supervised, structured learning in a very safe environment. 

We advise everyone participating in RYA courses to have their own logbook. This will give you the opportunity to track progress and record your sailing experience. If you do not have a logbook, you will be able to purchase one from the Centre. 

RYA YOUTH STAGE 2

  • Age: 8 - 15 (ages for this course are a guideline) 
  • Cost: £195.00 
  • Pre-requisite: Stage 1

By the end of this two day course you will have a range of sailing skills and background knowledge. You will be well on the way to becoming a confident small boat sailor.
This course will allow you to progressing to more independent sailing, depending on weather conditions. 

We advise everyone participating in RYA courses to have their own logbook. This will give you the opportunity to track progress and record your sailing experience. If you do not have a logbook, you will be able to purchase one from the Centre. 

RYA YOUTH STAGE 3 

  • Age: 9 - 15 (ages for this course are a guideline) 
  • Cost: £195.00
  • Pre-requisite: Stage 2

Stage 3 is a two day course and is equivalent to Level 2 in the National Sailing Scheme. Having completed Stage 3, you will be able to sail in any direction and rig and launch your boat. Your skills and knowledge mean that you can regard yourself as a sailor, not a beginner. 

We advise everyone participating in RYA courses to have their own logbook. This will give you the opportunity to track progress and record your sailing experience. If you do not have a logbook, you will be able to purchase one from the Centre.  

RYA STAGE 4

  • Age Range: 10 to 15 (ages for this course are a guideline) 
  • Cost: £185.00 Per person
  • Pre-Requisite: Stage 3

A Stage 4 certificate means that you have the skills to sail a double-handed dinghy as crew or helm, and solve a variety of problems whilst afloat. Passing this course is the natural entry point for the advanced courses in the National Sailing Scheme.

We advise everyone participating in RYA courses to have their own logbook. This will give you the opportunity to track progress and record your sailing experience. If you do not have a logbook, you will be able to purchase one from the Centre. 

ADVANCED COURSES

Once RYA Youth Scheme Stage 4 has been completed there are a series of advanced modules to complete, all designed to improve your knowledge and ability.

Non-Residential Sailing week

A non-residential sailing week  for our younger students wanting to enjoy a week's dedicated sailing fun ... This intensive week of sailing will allow participants to progress their skills following the RYA syllabus in both single and double handed boats by receiving excellent tuition from Cobnor’s best instructors. As well as continuous sailing tuition, during the week there will be day sails throughout Chichester harbour, exciting challenges and much more.

Sailing Week for Beginners

  • Ages: 10-12 
  • Price: £350.00
  • Non-Residential 
  • Duration: Monday - Friday 
  • Timings: 09:30 drop off - 16:30 pick up each day
  • Easy & free onsite carpark drop off & collection in the main activity field or if children are arriving/departing via the Itchenor Ferry, please do let us know in advance. 

No prior sailing experience required - however it's recommended that children try the RYA Youth Stage 1 course (two days) if they are on the fence as this is to check that a weeks sailing is for them. 

Sailing Week for Improvers

  • Ages:9-14 
  • For sailors RYA Youth Stage 2 + 
  • Price: £350.00
  • Non-Residential
  • Duration: Monday - Friday
  • Timings: 09:30-16:30 each day 
  • Easy & free onsite drop off & collection in the main activity field or if children are arriving/departing via the Itchenor Ferry, please do let us know in advance. 

This course is for the young sailors wanting to step up their sailing skills and is suitable for children with their RYA Youth Stages 2 and up.

Sailing Camp

  • Ages: 13-15 
  • Please note: This course is not suited for complete beginners. Having previous sailing experience or for sailors that hold their RYA National Scheme Level 1 or RYA Youth Scheme Stage 2 is recommended.
  • £425.00pp 
  • All equipment, food and accommodation is provided  

Enjoy a week of dedicated sailing tuition in a range of boats with continuous tuition from Cobnor's experienced instructors.